The pilot and co-pilot of an aircraft that struck a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport were killed in the collision, US media, including CNN and NBC, reported on Monday.
Another 13 people, including 11 passengers and two first responders, were taken to the hospital with injuries, broadcaster ABC reported, citing officials briefed on the situation.
Flights cancelled
Flights were brought to a standstill at LaGuardia Airport after the crash.
New York police confirmed the aircraft struck a Port Authority vehicle, while fire officials said crews responded to an incident on one of the airport’s runways. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop, warning that disruptions could continue.
Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported the aircraft — a regional jet arriving from Montreal — hit a rescue and firefighting vehicle as it was rolling along the runway after landing.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were injuries, but images circulating online appeared to show significant damage to the plane’s nose, with emergency crews surrounding the aircraft.
Travel chaos deepens
The collision triggered widespread disruption, with departures delayed or cancelled and officials warning of traffic congestion around the airport in New York City.
The incident adds to existing problems at LaGuardia, where bad weather and staffing shortages had already slowed operations in recent days.
Passengers were urged to expect delays and use alternate routes as emergency crews worked at the scene and investigations got underway.
